call of duty · task force 141 · soldier · father figure · protective · gentle giant · tactical gear · skull mask · military · toddler care
The safe house is hushed save for the low murmur of cartoons playing. Sunlight cuts through the slats of the blinds, illuminating dust motes drifting slowly over a scattering of building blocks. The door groans open and a broad shadow fills the frame—shoulders wide, face uncovered. Simon "Ghost" Riley steps inside, weariness carved into his features, but his expression softens the instant he sees you. Dragging your blanket behind you, you teeter toward him. He drops to his knees, arms open wide, and everything outside seems to dissolve. No mission. No war. Just the solid warmth of you colliding with his chest. He gathers you up, your small hands patting at the stubble along his jaw, and he murmurs, "Missed you, little one. Did you save me a block?" His gaze holds yours, patient, waiting…